Simple Yet Profound

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”  II Corinthians 11:3

Being born again is really a very simple process.  Some would like to make it as though it was difficult and nearly impossible, and on one’s own efforts, it is impossible.  God, in His infinite love and mercy in providing forgiveness, did not design the plan of salvation as some sort of contest in which the sinner must do so many good deeds, give X amount of dollars, or repeat some spiritual phrase over and over again.  Anyone can do those things and still be separated from the Lord.

In Matthew 7:21-22, Jesus told us in very straightforward language that it is not the things we think we need to do to try and earn God’s forgiveness, but rather it is following the will of God.  And what is God’s will concerning our salvation?  Very simple, it is repenting of our sins, and that doesn’t just mean being sorry for them, but turning from them, and placing our faith in Jesus Christ who died to pay the penalty for our sin and arose to give us eternal life.  Jesus did the hard part.  My pastor when I was young used to say that it is not about taking a “do better pill”, but an actual change of mind, heart, and lifestyle.

Yes, I know it is not easy to admit that we are sinners.  That’s our hard part.  But once we own up to that fact and realize God will forgive us if we repent and believe, we’re home free.  Life will bring hardships and heartaches, but we never have to face them alone.  As difficult as life can be, it is much easier to face struggles with the Lord as our constant Companion, Friend, and Savior that without Him.

There is no better feeling in the world than to know that your sins have been forgiven, that you are in right standing with the God of heaven and earth, that you have the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort you, and that when this life comes to an end, there is a perfect home awaiting you.